Foreign monks say Pakistan returning to peace

PESHAWAR - A high-level delegation of monks from China, Japan and Korea led by Monk Hwa Ran, Monk Bubuil and former Army Chief of Korea, Gen. (R) Hee Do, visited Shangardar Stupa and Buth Kada, near Mingora in District Swat on Wednesday.

The delegation was also taken to the historical place of Buddhism, But Kada where they expressed their pleasure on seeing the ruins of ancient remains.

On this occasion, Provincial Minister for Archaeology and Museums and Provincial Secretary of the Department, Syed Jamaluddin Shah, while talking to the media, said the tour of such a high-level delegation to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a point of satisfaction for us adding that the tour of the distinguished guests was an ample proof of the fact that the province is peaceful now.

They added that the provincial government was striving hard to ensure the preservation and promotion of the Gandhara culture so that religious tourism could be promoted and consequently the followers of Buddhism including investors can come and invest for the preservation and renovation of their historical places and archaeological sites.

The leaders of the delegation said that they wanted to give the world community the message that the religious scholars, tourists, investors and traders from all over the world could come to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without any fear and risk.